Beer Sale Ban at UCLA Games

This fan got more exercised than the Bruin football team at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 8. Certain actions, supposedly taken out of consideration for public safety, apparently had more to do with making up for the loss of beer sale profits to UCLA and the Rose Bowl.

As in past years, I had a “sipper cup” in my hand as I entered the gate. The gate staff told me containers were forbidden. I pointed out that the cup was empty, the temperature was 100 degrees and I wanted to drink water.

“Oh, we’ll sell you a bottle of water,” they said, “but you’ll have to check your container at the gate and pick it up after the game.” Boy am I stupid! I cooperated. I anticipated a wait at the claim check booth and left the game early. After standing in line for 30 minutes, I handed in my claim check and was told by the girl, “Oh yeah, I remember seeing one like that, but it’s not here now.”

I’ve promised myself that I will not spend one nickel at the concessions stands this year. Next year, they’ll probably ban bringing food into the stadium, but that’s OK because I don’t plan on renewing my season tickets.

Despite all the sanctimonious talk about encouraging a “family” atmosphere at the Rose Bowl, the real driver here was the profit motive.

Alums can still get loaded on beer for a buck at the private party in the parking lot and hypocrisy, not football, is the name of the game.

ELLEN FROST

Woodland Hills